Carson City area weather: Rain turned to snow much earlier than expected, forecasters say
UPDATE 12:22PM: A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for the greater Reno area, Carson City and Carson Valley. See updated story here.
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UPDATE 10:19AM: Temperature changes can happen quickly and that's what happened this morning as rain has turned to snow and will likely continue as snow through the day, according to the National Weather Service in Reno.
The Flood Advisory and the Winter Weather Advisory are being reviewed and may change soon, due to the changes that happened before 10 a.m. where rain turned to snow, albeit wet, heavy flakes, throughout the lower valleys, including Carson City and Carson Valley in Douglas County.
"We are expecting snow all day, with accumulations happening on the valley floor, from 1 to 3 inches," said NWS meteorologist Colin McKellar. "The rain is all turning over to snow and will continue as snow showers throughout the day."
He noted the abrupt change happened due to falling temperatures on the valley floors and aloft that happened quicker than anticipated. The changeover to snow will impact the flood advisory, which may change this morning or this afternoon, depending on the latest hydrology reports.
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A long duration atmospheric river storm is bringing heavy rain to Carson City, western Nevada and the Lake Tahoe area, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a Flood Advisory for the region.
Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected in Carson City, Douglas, Storey and Washoe counties, according to the weather service. The Flood Advisory is until 10 a.m. Sunday.
Forecasters say to expect rapid rises in small streams and creeks and poor drainage areas. Water could cover roadways and will be especially dangerous overnight. Rivers are expected to rise with minor to moderate flooding anticipated.
Rivers most susceptible to flooding are the East Fork of the Carson River at Gardnerville, the West Fork of the Carson River at Woodfords and the Carson River in Carson City.
Earlier this morning, NWS said public safety partners reported flooding on roadways, rapid rises on of creeks and streams, and rockfall onto roadways in the advisory area.
In Carson City as of 9 a.m. no serious flooding issues have been reported, according to dispatch. Flood retention basins are filling and there is some ponding water along a few side streets and in parking lots from South Carson Street to North Carson Street. Carson City Public Works has been working overnight to clear drainages throughout town.
On top of the flooding potential, is the potential for snow showers and they've also started in some lower valley areas and in Carson City at around 9:30 a.m. A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from 4 p.m. Saturday to 4 a.m. Sunday for the greater Reno, Carson City and Carson Valley areas in Douglas County.
Total snow accumulations of 2 to 4 inches, are possible, except 3 to 9 inches above 5,000 feet, including western foothill locations. Valley locations may a dusting up to 1 inch of snow, while the Virginia City Highlands could pick up 6 to 15 inches of new snow, according to the weather service.
Lake Tahoe and the Sierra is currently under a Winter Storm Warning until 4 a.m. Sunday.
Check back for updates.
Sandbag locations
- Carson City
The sand bagging station is stocked and ready at the Carson City Corporate Yard, 3505 Butti Way, just north of the main Public Works' building. Bags and sand are supplied. People will need to bring their own shovel and fill your own bags.
- Douglas County
Self-Fill Sandbag locations (Please bring a shovel)
• Sheridan Fire Station 980 Sheridan Lane
• Genoa Fire Station 2298 Main Street
• Highland Way at the large water tank (Holbrook Highlands area)
• Johnson Lane Fire Station 1450 Stephanie Lane
• Fish Springs Fire Station 2249 Fish Springs Road
• Ruhenstroth Fire Station 2008 Pinto Circle
• Kahal Community Center (Lake Tahoe)
- Lyon County
The county has several sandbag locations set up and is encouraging residents to be prepared for upcoming storm events expected to impact the region through the end of 2022. The wet weather could bring flooding to smaller streams, poor drainage areas and areas prone to flooding.
Sandbag locations are open year-round to residents. Each sandbag location has both sand and bags to fill, bags are located in the brown bear box at each site. Residents must bring their own shovel as the county doesn’t have any at the fill locations. The sandbag locations are:
· Mound House Fire Station – 56 Red Rock Rd., Mound House
· Silver City Community Center - 385 High St., Silver City
· Fire Station #39 - 460 Dayton Valley Rd., Dayton
· Dayton Valley Road, just southwest of Sutro Rd
· Fire Station #35 - 231 Corral Dr., Dayton
· Stagecoach Community Center - 8105 US-50, Stagecoach
· Silver Springs JPO Office - 1075 Pyramid Ave., Silver Springs
- Storey County
The following locations have been established for self-filling sand and sandbags; residents will need to bring their own shovels to fill the sandbags:
Lockwood: Fire Station 74, located at 431 Canyon Way in Lockwood
Mark Twain: Mark Twain Community Center, located at 500 Sam Clemens Ave. in Dayton
Virginia City Highlands: Fire Station 72, located at 2610 Cartwright Rd.
Virginia City: Located to the left as you drive towards the Icehouse property immediately east of Public Works Department, located at 110 Toll Road in Virginia City.